Manager, Financial Services

About Us

The Court Services Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice is dedicated to excellent service and the provision of fair and accessible administration of justice, including court administration and security. The Division provides administrative support to the courts listed: Nova Scotia Court of Appeal, Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (including Family Division), Provincial Court, Family Court, Small Claims Court, Probate Court and Bankruptcy Court. The courts act independently from the government to address individual cases.

About Our Opportunity

As the Manager, Financial Services, you will provide sound, timely financial advice to Court Services and Sheriff Services Divisions.

Responsibilities include: financial management and financial planning advice to the divisions in all areas of budgeting, forecasting, financial management and administration required for strategic, operational and business planning; providing financial advice on complex issues such as funding models and other direct financial needs; provides senior management with financial reports and information on all financial planning matters including budget, forecast, exception analysis, financial analysis, and accountability and performance measurement through efficient management of general accounting services and financial reporting.

You will develop and maintain effective working relationships with divisional senior leaders, program leads, cost centre managers and regional financial service specialists.

As the Manager, Financial Services, you will report to the Director, Court Services.

Primary Accountabilities

Responsibilities include:

• Providing advice and financial analysis on complex issues
• Ensures the overall integrity, objectivity and fair representation of the divisions' financial performance and contributes to the integrity of the consolidated statements of the Province of Nova Scotia.
• Oversees and is responsible for the annual reporting for the Court Services Division and Sheriff Services Division (e.g. year-end audit).
• Develops and manages accounting and compliance processes in the field offices of the Court Services Division and Sheriff Services Division throughout the Province, including financial systems, fine collection procedures, and procedures prescribed in policy manuals. Ensures adherence to all financial policies and standards.
• Communicates updates and relevant technical changes to the divisions impacted by evolving accounting practices. Manages teams undertaking management reviews of the divisions.
• Manages the budget process for the divisions. Briefs senior managers throughout the budget process, advising of budget policies and revisions to budget targets, as directed by Finance and Treasury Board (FTB).
• Manages the monthly forecast process for the divisions. Maintains ongoing contact with cost centre managers through regular meetings, financial training sessions and informal networks.
• Leads project teams and committees for the two Divisions as a source of financial expertise and to provide financial analysis for projects as required.
• Participates in the formulation, implementation and financial administration of divisional programs and policies.
• Manages the compilation of divisional financial statistics, to ensure accuracy, consistency, and valid reporting of activity. Ensures that on an annual basis areas of financial compliance are measured in order to ensure that they comply with financial practices set for all courthouses across the province.
• Developing and maintaining an effective working relationship with divisional staff, external stakeholders, Government entities.
  

Qualifications and Experience

This may be the right opportunity for you if you have a bachelor's degree from a related discipline, plus several years of progressive financial management experience. An acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.

As the ideal candidate, you have solid experience in budget development and business planning, forecasting; the ability to provide sound strategic financial and budgetary advice to senior members of the department; experience in providing sound financial advice to various stakeholder groups; effective leadership skills and experience creating, developing, and working in a team environment and be well organized to meet a demanding workload.

You have experience dealing with complex, contentious and sensitive issues in a public forum; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; strong analytical skills, tact and diplomacy; capacity for decisive action and the ability to influence others; the ability to manage multiple demands and interruptions in a challenging, deadline driven environment; as well as working both independently and collaboratively with all levels of management, staff, and other stakeholder groups.

While not required, it is considered an asset if you possess:

• A professional accounting designation (CPA, CGA, CMA, CA)
• Proficiency with the corporate financial management system (SAP)
• Proficiency with the Salary Analysis System (SAS)

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS (novascotia.ca) for more information.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• A dynamic, client-focused office environment where service excellence and teamwork are our focus